As shown in the CBS preview for THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL earlier this week, Stephanie Forrester learns her lung cancer is back and now beyond treatment. But what happens next? In a new interview with TV Guide Magazine, executive producer Bradley Bell reveals that Stephanie will die in December.

TV Guide Magazine: So Stephanie is told there's no hope whatsoever?Bell: She receives the diagnosis that the cancer has spread and that there is no chance for survival. Stephanie has always been a woman of great strength and character and she's determined to deal with this in her own way. She doesn't want tears and long faces — she wants a celebration of her life, a blowout to end all blowouts. She'll definitely be in touch with her mortality, living each day as if it's her last, and she's determined to make the most of every moment. After the diagnosis there is some initial shock, but she is quick to create a purpose — the party — and that becomes her obsession. She wants everyone to remember her in peak form. And that's the way Susan feels, too. She wants to go out on top.

TV Guide Magazine: Sounds a bit like the bucket-list party Stephanie threw after her diagnosis.Bell: Yes, only much bigger! She'll be inviting a lot of people to the party but certain people will receive hand-written invitations that will be delivered personally by Stephanie. This is going to play out on air starting Oct. 18 for eight [consecutive] episodes. Each day Stephanie goes to one of the key people in her life — her sister Pam, her son Thorne, her best friend Taylor, her namesake Steffy — and tells them her time is up and that she's throwing herself a party. Donna will also have a day, as will Brooke, of course. Stephanie and Brooke are the true supercouple of B&B. Each day will be a video tribute to one of Stephanie's great relationships, with lots of flashbacks featuring the "best of" moments. We've even worked out a way to have Stephanie visit with her old pal Sally Spectra [played by the late Darlene Conley], with Fabio as a special guest since he was a part of their story.

TV Guide Magazine: What about Ridge? How can he not be there to say goodbye his mother?Bell: There's a big question as to whether or not Ridge will show up for the party. He may make a surprise appearance...you never know!

TV Guide Magazine: Might he show up looking just like Ronn Moss?Bell: [Laughs] You just never know! It's a possibility. Stephanie's daughters Kristen and Felicia will also be there. We're firing up the Forrester living room set for the last time. Emotion will be filling that room.

Flannery's final episode will air November 26.

The news is not unexpected, but how do you feel about the death of Stephanie Forrester? Share your thoughts in our Comments section below.

Great point, M. The only thing I can think of is that death on daytime soaps has become so irrelevant he wants to advertise to fans that it's really happening so people will not expect her to come back from the dead.

It sucks that Susan and Ronn have decided to go!! Don't the fans have a say??? Doesn't this really mean the end of B&B, these two have been there since the beginning...They make the show! Who is Brooke without Ridge(the original) and Stephanie??? How can Eric have success without his Muse??? His character alone already has no real story line without her, that character will go down the tube...Sad :( I really dont think there is anymore reason to watch...Bring back As the World Turn!!!

Wow,I knew something was up with the diagnosis. My heart is already heavy. These people have become a part of our everyday lives, with us following their everyday life. They are a part of us all, and we feel as if we know them, since they are in our livingrooms, dens, kitchen etc, and on our screens daily.We know that at some point they will retire, but hopefully there will more characters put in place who can keep us just as entertained as the iroginal always has. I do like the fact that some characters, such as Susan's and Ron's, cannot and will not be replaced. Their shoes cannot be filled and I think Mr. Bell is doing us a favor by not replacing them, but allowing them to die off or just disappear for a spell. It has always proved to be so difficult to become accustomed to a character that has been replaced by another actor.There is that constant comparing; sometimes we like the replacement and sometimes we don't, but we are forced to get used to them. Thomas and Ric's replacements have been very beneficial to the show, although I have never really connected with the new Thorne, as I did with the new Logan sisters.I do wish blessings for the departing actors, and thank them for giving us all so many years of smiles, tears, disgust, and anger within their characters.They have certainly made their mark upon the lives of us soap watchers, we love them and will miss them dearly! But--the show must go on, and we all look forward to what Mr. Bell has in store for us next!

The last few episodes I've cried. I have been watching B&B since the beginning. It's sad to see them go. Major roles of the show I have to say writers will have to be very creative in keeping the show running. Very sad to see them go. Thank you Susan and Ronn for many years of entertainment. May you both be blessed as you have truly blessed us all. Love you Susan and Ronn

I look forward to losing myself for 30 minutes a day and I am so sorry that she is leaving. Thank you so much for becoming a character we can all hope to strive and be:strong, trustful, caring, thoughtful,forgiving, and foremost all about family.

Susan and Ronn are the main characters so is Brooke, can't you talk them into staying. Make sure that Brooke and Ridge stay together. Also, Kattie needs to come back to reality and be with Bill and their baby. Let at lest one marriage stay together or both.

I too have watched this show since the very day it aired!!! Susan Flannery is such an outstanding actress and I only wish that Darlene Connery had lived to see this as it would have been so great to see them together again, two of the most funny people, they were such a joy to watch! Ronn Moss meshed so well with Susan, it was as though they truely were, "mother and son"! I do agree that Katie needs to be with her family. I hope Bill Bell doesnt have plans to kill her off as she, Heather Tom, is also an outstanding actress!!!! Thank you all for your dedication and the joy you brought to both myself and my mother, who passed a few short years ago. We always watched the show every day without fail!!!!

Oops, I meant, Darlene Conley. Sally n Steph certainly did have their moments. Lets not forget when she, Sally, had Phyllis Diller come to help out Steph with her hair as well. All award winning performances in my eyes!

Maybe at the end of the party, the doctor will show up and say they found a cure and Stephanie is going to live. How is B&B without Stephanie and Ridge. That's crazy..I can not think of anyone on that show that will make me personally want to watch it after they are gone,.I can't stand slick Rick, but he doesnt do a thing for me and really no one else does....

Well, I bawled like a baby during this episode, where Stephanie says goodbye to everyone and leaves. I have been watching this show since I was 13 years old, that's more than half my life, it's as if a part of me is leaving :( Like the other comments, I'm unsure how the show will be without Ridge or Stephanie, but I will continue to watch, I guess Soaps really are dying :'( ... I LOVE Liam and Steffy story so I'm still hooked !

I can truly identify with Susan's retirement from B & B. She will be sorely missed. Ronn Moss will be long forgotten before Susan Flannery. The romance between Liam and Steffie has been cruel and at the expense of Hope. It made good story for a while, but seeing them flaunt it in front of Hope is disgusting. Either have them ride into the sunset or split them. Congratulations on todays episode. Susan is the epitome of a great actress. Best of luck to her and may she have a happy life. Well done.

Ohhh my gosh...seein these last episodes of stephanie just been havin me in tears...shes such a beautiful person in n out...i kno wat it feels like to loose sumone thru death...it just brings bk that deepp hurt i still have inside..;( well stephanie we both carry tha same name..just kno ur gonna b deeply missed cuz u r loved! Wish u dint have to go.i kno its a soap but uve been in my life mon- fridayfrida

My goodness this show is gonna be a drag without MsTuffy, im gonna miss the old girl much love and blessing to you Susan. as far as Ron acting is just not one of his strong suits i just hope he has another day job.

Stupidist story line ever.I have watched this show since 1978 and was sick of Ridge and Brooke.Never anyone but them,that was bad enough,but this is the dumbest story line ever.you need some new writers.Who in the world has a death party?

I've watched B&B from the beginning. Missed some shows while in school, but not enough not to know what is going on. I've lost my Mom and Dad in the last two years(they loved Susan Flannery), and I know this is a story, but the tears are everywhere. it is like losing another family member.I love you Susan, you played Stepanie well.

Perhaps I'm late say this but one thing I know, I'm very dad see she leave B&B, I'm gonna missed her.She's remarkable woman. 25 years stay with her role as Stephanie is best moments. Why you leave??? The story not same without her, feels empty... but beside that she deserve enjoy her life.I love you Susan....always,,,